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Burn Rate (2002) Board Game

ByMichail

Burn Rate is a card game released in 2002 by designer Rich Koehler. It is a game that simulates the experience of running a startup company and managing its finances. The game is designed for 2-4 players and has a runtime of around 45 minutes. Players will need to strategically manage their resources and take calculated risks in order to come out on top.

Game Components of Burn Rate

  • Player Cards: Representing employees with skill ratings (0-3) from departments like HR, Finance, Sales, and Development.
  • Action Cards: Such as FUNDING cards that require specific skill levels to play.
  • Department Heads: Managers and VPs that must be assigned to departments.
  • Money: Players manage their bank accounts, debited each turn based on their ‘burn rate’.

    How To Setup Burn Rate

    To set up the game, each player starts with a hand of 6 cards. The deck includes various employee cards, action cards, and other events. Players assign department heads to their respective departments, ensuring that VPs are made department heads regardless of their skill ratings. The goal is to manage the startup’s finances by playing cards that either benefit the player or hinder their opponents.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Card Drafting: Players select cards to add to their hand.
  • Hand Management: Players manage which cards to play, discard, or keep.
  • Take That: Players can force opponents to take detrimental actions.
  • Objective: The goal is to be the last player with money, as all players are destined to go broke. Players aim to lose money as slowly as possible while trying to accelerate their opponents’ burn rate.

    Player Experience

    In Burn Rate, players take on the role of dot-com CEOs navigating the challenges of keeping their startups afloat during the dot-com era. The gameplay involves strategic card play, where players can sabotage their opponents by forcing them to hire incompetent VPs or undertake money-wasting projects. The game’s mechanics are rooted in real-life experiences of the dot-com world, making it a quirky and realistic simulation.

    Pros

  • Thematic Accuracy: The game accurately captures the essence of the dot-com era.
  • Simple yet Strategic Gameplay: Easy to learn but requires strategic thinking.
  • Interactive: Players can significantly impact each other’s progress.

    Cons

  • Limited Replayability: The gameplay, while fun initially, may not have lasting appeal.
  • Out of Print: The game is no longer in print, making it difficult to acquire.
  • Mixed Reviews: User ratings are mixed, with some finding it not very fun despite its thematic brilliance.

    Personal Thoughts on Burn Rate

    Burn Rate is ideal for those who enjoy economic and strategic card games with a unique theme. It is particularly appealing to those who can appreciate the humor and realism of the dot-com bubble. However, due to its limited replayability and current unavailability, it might not be the best choice for everyone. It remains a niche game that is cherished by some for its thematic accuracy and witty gameplay.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl

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